Maric says it's 'awesome to be home' in Sydney

BASKETBALL: Aleks Maric is loving being back in Sydney, finally representing the Kings 12 years after leaving the city to play in the US and Europe.

Maric grew up in the 1990s idolising the NBL club when it lit up the Harbour City. He aspired to one day follow in the footsteps of his heroes such as Steve Carfino.

But the 211cm centre would instead enjoy stints in the US college system and playing professionally in Spain and Serbia.

Until now. The 32-year-old, who represented Australia at the 2010 world titles and 2012 Olympics, felt the time was right to become a King when Andrew Gaze came on board as coach and Brad Newley and Kevin Lisch joined as players.

"I was thinking if there was any time I want to come back it's now,” he told News Corp. "We've got a great group of guys and I'm really enjoying myself. I'm having fun, so to me I'm in the playground right now. It's just awesome to be home.”

Maric will be a key when the ladder-leading Kings take on Melbourne United tonight at Hisense Arena (6.30pm AEST).